Give us monorail, ask residents

CHENNAI: In the wake of recent media reports that the monorail connectivity from Vandalur to Puzhal, via Avadi, has been dropped due to fund constraints, residents living along the proposed corridor have appealed to Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to reconsider the decision. In a representation to the Chief Minister with a copy to the Managing Director of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (the nodal agency for the monorail project in Chennai), the Kathir Vedu-based Mahalakshmi Nagar Welfare Association appealed to the State Government to reconsider the decision, as Mahalakshmi Nagar, Collector Nagar, Kathir Vedu and the surrounding areas were fast-developing areas that did not have proper connectivity.Speaking to City Express, S Venkatesan, joint secretary of the Federation of Chennai United Societal Services (FOCUSS), an umbrella body of several residents welfare associations from Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Nolambur, Mogappair, Anna Nagar West Extension areas, Puzhal and Kathir Vedu, said, “It is shocking news for the residents living in and around Puzhal and Kathir Vedu, as they were hoping for better connectivity with other parts of the city through the monorail.”“Though western parts of the Chennai Corporation are developing at a faster rate, they lack connectivity and are currently connected only via bus services ,” Venkatesan said.Residents also suggested a new route, if the plan from Vandalur to Puzhal did not materialise as proposed. “If the State government thinks that it is not possible to connect Puzhal and Vandalur, they can change the direction to Puzhal to Parrys, via Kathir Vedu, Vinayagapuram, Moolakadai, Mint and Parry’s Corner, as it would be more useful to people living in and around this area,” Venkatesan added.When the issue was brought to the notice of V Moorthy, the Madhavaram MLA, he promised to take up the matter with the Chief Minister soon.